Andrea Poli reveals he has been a Milan fan “since childhood,” so is overjoyed to be wearing their jersey.

The Italian international midfielder joined this summer from Sampdoria and spoke to the club’s official magazine ‘Forza Milan!’

“Since childhood I have always had the walls of my room covered in Milan symbols, hats and jerseys,” grinned the 23-year-old.

“I remember an old photograph of me wearing the Milan strip. I was only six or seven and my father gave it to me, so I was wearing it at my birthday party.

“I also wore it when playing with friends and during Milan games I would watch on television.”

Despite his life-long passion for the Rossoneri, Poli spent the 2011-12 season on loan at Inter and very nearly joined them on a permanent basis.

“I was coming off a year at Sampdoria that was tormented by injuries and unfortunately also negative in terms of results.

“Inter made an offer and took me on loan. You know the rest. It is an experience that is in the past now, so there’s no point talking about it.

“Football has always been everything for me. I started playing in the street with my friends and the ball has been an integral part of my life since childhood. I was able to cultivate this passion until I made it my profession too.”